Today’s game review brought to you by Norm. The only fault that I have is that he didn’t comment on Hank’s beauty. After the game, with his mask off, he looked like a dream. The hair was perfect and his eyes – bluer than robins’ eggs.
Here is his review:
To whoever is the editor (that would be me, the omnipotent E3) tonight, here comes a game report, which you can repost or ignore as you wish. Fun task, though time-consuming, and now I appreciate previous reporters with even more respect.
“Good game for the Rangers, obviously. But from the Caps point of view, it was not their A game, to say the least. Gives you an appreciation for how well the Rangers have played in game two’s of back-to-backs. The Caps didn’t take long to open up Route One in the middle of the ice, and the Rangers had one break or near-break after another. The Caps knew they were lucky to be down only 2-0, and had their coaches to thank. I need Carp to come up with something like his shootout-after-the-game-ends acronym for the insufferable offside-after-the-goal-has-been-scored rule, one that I hope hits the trash bin off in the off-season. Gifted the 1-goal deficit, they finally broke through with some good passing against a good PK, catching a bit of a break on the deflected goal, but it might have gone in anyway. But…that was it. The Caps had a chance or three the rest of the way, but from the equalizer to the end, the hosts owned this game and visitors clearly ran out of gas. What a great faceoff 1-2-3 to win it. As good a win, though an admittedly flat game all around, as the Rangers have earned this season. Some observations:
A) Hayes stamped himself all over that first period. Some terrific passing from him but a reminder he needs a couple thousand more hours of drilling before he adds goal-scoring to his list of talents. He failed to look the puck onto his tape with a wide-open net. Disappeared in the second, and had a great play in the third to clear the high slot and save a goal. He just keeps getting better.
B) Good on McDonagh for not peeling out but instead following his shot and showing the patience of a natural goal-scorer on the follow-up. Couldn’t have happened without Nash tying things up in front there, nice that he got an assist, though I didn’t see him touch the puck.
C) Lundqvist had a shaky-looking first period, including yet another fumble attempting to stick-handle behind the net. I often wonder whether he should just leave those alone entirely. Probably not a good idea overall—he gets it right more often than not, as he did in the third when he ate the puck effectively and waited for help—but the coaching staff has probably wondered more than once about the stay-in-the-crease option. A couple of big saves, though, especially in the middle of the game, and giving up one against the Caps is always a good accomplishment.
D) It’s interesting to watch how the overly-concussed Staal goes about his business these days. He’s no banger, if he ever was, but he does a good job of angling guys into the boards, easing them off the puck. There are better defensemen, to be sure, but his experience does show. Does the little things well.
E) I’m loving me some Zibanajad. When he first came up, not that I saw him that much, he seemed to be all flash. Now that he’s a seasoned pro, while he still has the flash, he’s become a solid player all around. Easy to see now how much the team missed him during those doldrums. Key piece of the puzzle, was his face-off win for the deciding goal.
F) That offside rule is so ridiculous. Close offside calls are missed all the time, but if there’s a goal, all hell needs to breaks loose? Let’s say a missed call were to lead to a heavy forecheck that wears down the opponent and results in a goal later on. Can a coach ask for a replay and then request a free time-out to make up for the “unfair” forecheck? NHL bigwigs have to know what a game-killer it is. Best case, the home fans get a cheer of relief if it goes their way, knowing in truth that they’ve just been scored on. Fix it!
G) Holden gifted the Caps a 2-on-1 early, but cleaned it up (with Lundqvist) very nicely. And his trying to block Ovi’s shot in the second led to a goal. Admirable but perhaps getting out of the way and being first to the rebound if there is one? Good game overall along with his five sidekicks.
H) Grubauer, I thought, had a nice game, though he didn’t need to make any spectacular saves. The’s breakaway attempt, for example, was not much of one. Why he didn’t go to his backhand move, which is nearly impossible to stop when he’s carrying speed, I have no idea. (He almost scored on that one in the third coming in from the boards.) But as much as Grubauer was not spectacular, nor did he suck, which is often good enough.
I) And the only two times he was beaten, Grube’s D hung him out to dry. Shambolic Caps’ defending on both Rangers goals. The Rangers’ defense on the other hand, while much maligned at times this season, showed why every now and then, their deep, no-stars rotation can be highly effective. Very few mistakes this afternoon, and very many good clearances and passes out of the zone.
J) Buchnevich, I think, is riding the struggle bus. He had one very good forecheck going in the second, for example, doing his part to keep a cycle going, but was pushed over from behind with ease, coughed it up, out of the zone it went. He’ll stay on the 4th line, I think, until he learns how to add the boring, grindy stuff to his game.
K) Zucc had a below-average game, to my eyeballs, right up to his terrific play in the winner. He had a horrible pass on a 2nd-period 2-on-1, one which had it gone through—low odds there—would still not have been any good. Not his day, I thought, but later, when it counted: Boom! Great feet, then great hands. Key goal in a statement game, especially for a guy who’s been getting it in the neck for his lack of scoring this year. Hope it’s a streak-starter.
L) Grabner is downright scary on the PK. Had the Caps’ pointmen on their heels whenever he was out there. With good reason. The first kill (thanks, Oscar, for the dumb o-zone penalty) was a breeze.
M) After the first period, the Rangers must have thought it was their game to lose, five-six grade-A’s squandered. But they were pretty tight through 25 minutes, until the post rang at about mid-game. Was it Wilson shooting? Can’t remember, but the shot was going wide until Lundqvist deflected it, slightly. At that point, the Caps were sustaining some good forechecks and I was thinking they, too, must be worrying about lost opportunities biting them in the end.
N) Then The committed one of the dumbest penalties you’ll ever see, made all the more needless by the fact that he had put in a good effort just prior, with an eye-catching backcheck. But he grabbed like a lobster and the Caps got the PP winner soon thereafter. At the end of the second, even if the Rangers had blown slightly more chances, 1-1 was about the right score IMO.
O) Breaking down the PP goal, looking at the replays, the Rangers didn’t do a lot wrong on the play, but if I had to pick on anyone, it would be Stepan, who I thought slight overplayed his corner of the box, which sucked Nash and Holden in to help, leaving Ovi too much time to shoot. Who knows if the undeflected shot might have gone in, but Lundqvist was square, so that much was good, too.
P) Boy, can Vesey be bad in-zone. He had one shift in particular that was a near parody of a runaround, as he skated from man to man executing flyby sweepchecks, the puck always a tick ahead of his late charges. The Rangers are lucky to have him, a solid rookie. But he’s still a rookie.
Q) In the second, Klein had a textbook breakup of a 2-on-1, and I thought he was the best Rangers defender in the game, McD’s big goal notwithstanding.
R) I remember thinking, when the Rangers then blew a THREE-on-one—I think it was the otherwise solid Zibanajad who slowed the play down and passed it away, ignoring his trailer—that the home team deserved to lose this one. So many instances of poor execution in the o-zone, but to their credit, they stayed with it, never hung their heads that they weren’t cashing in, especially after having their second goal Fedex-ed to Toronto.
S) Speaking of which, the power play looked good both times. Good pressure, made the Caps work, scored once. Good enough, perhaps, to have the Caps think penalties weren’t worth taking, subconsciously or otherwise. The goal and the good passing should give the PP units some confidence moving forward.
T) How weird was that Miller injury interlude? Down on the ice behind the play, who knows how badly hurt, and…commercial break! Then we have to wait for five minutes for the replay, which showed if not a from-behind penalty, certainly a play worth discussing. But the moment had passed. Fairly crappy coverage there.
U) Speaking of crappy coverage, how about the crappy ice? Starting off with Skjei in the first minutes, guys were losing their edges all day long.
V) It looked as though it would be a squander-thon to begin the third. First, Vesey tried the JV move, off a pass from Stepan, of trying not once but twice to shoot the puck through Grubauer’s right pad. Oscar, not to be outdone, soon submitted his entry for Worst Attempt at Net of the season. Shoot, I guess he thought, toward the net’s area code, hope for a chip on the ice?
W) Back to the winning goal, how great would it be if the Rangers could pull off a three-man weave like that one more often! Zib wins the faceoff the easy way, shove-passes forward to TK’s tape; he skates through the circle, hits a good-enough pass to Zucc’s feet; then Zucc commits magic. Yes, it helps that the Caps were as stationary as tin table-hockey players with nobody on the knobs, but a nice play nevertheless.
X) Loved to death the way the Rangers closed out the game after the winner, putting the Caps to sleep for almost twelve minutes of near-perfect, responsible, defensive hockey, with the occasional two-man forecheck thrown in. Always three back, and kept the puck on the perimeter in their own zone. Lundqvist easily handled the one or two times there was a threat, and the game ticked off the clock as quickly as I can recall. A tiny push 6 on 5, as you’d expect, but from the Caps point of view, meh.”
First
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Norm! Wow! You are super lucent when off the booze!
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Yo. Missed the game but not the review. Thanks Norm.
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Whew, that was a close one, Norm. You got to “x”. You almost ran out of alphabet!
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Why Z?
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Nice work norm!
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Great new post E3
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Someone should bring up politics or religion or whether staal is a 2nd pair D man or not to promote traffic 😉
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Bazooka Joe rubbing his nose and trying to un-wedgie his underwear. What kind of coach is this?
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I’d trade Stepan for that young hot shot, Steven Miller. A true pest.
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The coach has over 600 wins, we have a few less. Got to cut him some slack. He has reeled them in and they are playing a style now that can win playoff games. And Allaire has Hank back on his game. The coaching staff seems to be doing their job.
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‘We give them money-but are they grateful?
No, they’re spiteful and they’re hateful
They don’t respect us-so let’s surprise them
We’ll drop the big one and pulverize them
Asia’s crowded and Europe’s too old
Africa is far too hot
And Canada’s too cold
And South America stole our name
Let’s drop the big one
There’ll be no one left to blame us
Boom goes London and boom Paree
More room for you and more room for me
And every city the whole world round
Will just be another American town
They all hate us anyhow
So let’s drop the big one now!’
Randy Newman
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Thanks for the review! Loved reading it. Only quibble is on your goaltender analysis. I thought both Henrik and Grubauer had terrific games. Hank was a little overly caffeinated on his first couple of saves, but settled right down and was a brick wall in the 2nd and 3rd. Grubauer kept the Caps in that game with some tremendous saves, especially in the 1st. I do agree that Hank playing the puck is like having a blindfolded dart thrower – you never know where that puck is gonna end up!
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Up on the hill people never stare
They just don’t care
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Great job, Norman!
Is this the same team that was the worst ever and needed to sell everybody just a few nights earlier?
Softies.
Thinking about writing about Rutherford B Hayes for Tuesday. Kid was a monster today. Thoughts? Anybody else you guys would like me to write about soon?
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I don’t think Bazooka Joe’s Wedgies will ever get old. Like the Carseat.
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Great piece Norm enjoyed it! I guess we have to except the fact that rarely does anything go right against the azzlanders! But I think we caught the Caps at a good time. Let’s see if they can do it again next time they meet! Now it’s time to feast on some Canadian bacon!
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Vee Cee really does speak Mandarin. If we ever sign a Chinaman, he could come in handy.
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Hockey players are notoriously difficult to interview in that, unlike many other athletes, they seem to have a wary nervousness around the working Press. In the bar, anonymous, it’s another story. But maybe that’s changed, too, and I’m just getting old, relaying the attitudes and tendencies of an older generation.
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‘I’m so young and you’re so old
This, Diana, I’ve been told…’
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I was at this game today with the family. Had a blast. Was actually planning on writing a review, but holy cow, this is much better than the HAV I would have put up. Thank you so much to Norm and also to E3.
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Dude, chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please.
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Carp, I sent an email to BDL earlier today singing his praises. He was phenomenal today. I’m especially impressed with his ability to stop an opponent’s breakout and force turnovers in the offensive zone.
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I went to the opera last night (Carmen). But nothing there sounded as sweet as the symphony that was Kuznetsov drilling a shot off the post. PING! A fortissimo post shot if ever there was one.
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e3 is a snowflake love it>
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Excellent review of a satisfying game.
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HAWKS WIN!
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Torts – “Ricardo, I’d love a ******* story on that ****** ****** Haze. That ******* guy is ******* good. I ******* wish we ******* had that ****** on our ******* team. Now, if someone would ******* turn on the ******* hear, it’s ******* freezing back here”
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Olga – thanks for the support I previous thread. Now, it’s on to somewhere, and let’s win there.
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Great review Norm Thanks. Also good job standing up to the nonsense of others around here.
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NYR1979 – are you a deplorable?
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Idiot
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Sharks play by play with Bruins color is so awkward.
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Make that Comrade idiot
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Chinaman! Get offa my cloud.
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And what makes you think that the Chinaman is American anyway?
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e3 are you a snowflake
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Jerk off!
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If the Chinaman came from Baton Rouge, would the ‘correct nomenclature’ be Asian Cajun?
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1979 – buh low me
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Chinese music always sets me free.
Angular banjos set me free.
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Comrade deplorable
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This is why I won’t join Facebook. Too many nitwits.
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Kooz – one doesn’t need to join Facebook to be a nitwit. Case in point, I’m not on Facebook ;).
But I don’t live in a trailer either.
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Guy from China eating dried grapes is an Asian rasin.
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Good one e3 .How tolerant of you.
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You’re still a Jerk off!
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I often get great political, social, and health insight from my friends on Facebook.
NOT!
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I never liked Trump. I didn’t like Trump for 35 years, before 90% of the world had ever heard of him. But I do root for a guy, no matter who he is, who is at the bottom of the pile being kicked and spat upon by a mob. If he weren’t constantly berated from every silly angle by an unrelenting, biased Press, I would probably be the first to call him a megalomaniacal jerk which is what I always thought he was. Ironically, the Press and Academics created and keep alive the monster.
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Chris Cristie soon to be appointed The Minister of Meat Loaf.
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Chinese Checkers no longer allowed. Go with Asian American Checkers.
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Two Wongs can’t make a white.
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1979 – are into golden showers like your man-baby hero? Turn off Fox News, walk out of your trailer, and think for yourself.
You don’t have to be a deplorable.
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I went to a hockey blog and Facebook broke out
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You cannot say that the Chinaman lives in a trailer. You have to say that the Oriental-American gentleman lives in an immobile recreational vehicle.
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Drumpf will be impeached by Thanksgiving. The nightmare will end soon enough.
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Weary funny Kooz. You are weary funny!
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Carp
I want you to do an article before the trade deadline about the “potential” incoming and outgoing rangers…in your opinion of course.
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Lol, if nanny was here, he’d be going ballistic
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Meat Loaf soon to be appointed The Minister of Chris Christie.
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e3 – identify with using the ladies room.
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I quite honestly have no problem with a political discussion here when folks don’t want to talk hockey. Frankly anything is a better convo than golf, baseball, or basketball, but let’s not get too carried away and start with personal attacks.
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e3, I never pass on an opportunity to comment on President Cheeto.
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Wicky – I agree. It’s those that continue to vote against their own interests that I pity the most. People with nothing thinking the Orange Führur will get them something.
Hank played a solid game and today’s win made a statement. Rangers can play with any team when on their game. However, they also have the ability to play like crap. Let’s hope today’s team is what we are going forward….
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But what do I know, I’m a jerk off?
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1979 – the ladies room? Is that a funny?
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I love the Rangers and the poorly educated!!!
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Carp, call me crazy but I’d love a story about some of the behind the scenes guys. Like the equipment manager and his 1500 games! Or Jim Ramsey. But if it’s only about players, how about a look at the Swedes other than Hank – Zib, Jesper, and Oscar.
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This place isn’t for personal attacks. I’m putting you both in timeout. Either shake hands and make up, or shut up.
Coos, I was referencing The Big Lebowski.
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He started it
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When Norm stays off the juice, he’s surprisingly articulate. Let that be a lesson to him.
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I know, Doods. 🙂 Just joshin’ witcha.
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Last time I remember saying ‘he started it’ was when I was in a tub with my little brother 40 years ago.
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‘Hey, watch your language!’
‘English, what’s yours?’
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‘Rubber Duckie, you’re the one
You make bath time lots of fun
Rubber Duckie, I’m awfully fond of you!’
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**Hiccup**
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RR2 at 1144 – Give them 5 each for fighting and a game misconduct. If they continue, send them each for a hearing and possible suspension.
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I know you are but what am I?
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Stormin Norman with the novella. I thought that was Doodies job. Covered it all save for Kreider’s awesome feed on GWG. That line had 2 goals when including the disallowed one.
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Missed the 2nd/3rd but saw highlights. Ton of scoring opps, need to cash in. Great home win against best team, record wise, in league. Seems like when our D plays more agressive, less Dzone time.
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Not holding breath on Butch and VC breaking out in POs. Lots of talent but the pumkin carriage awaits.
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No politrix!
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get tired just watching
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E3
I always felt (still do) that one of the biggest problems in the country is people voting for “what benifits them the most” instead of “what’s best for the country”. Those two things are not always the same and I just think the “me first” attitude is very problematic.
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I believe JFK covered that in a speech once 😉
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Good Morning Boneheads.My apologies to all.No politics.Lets Go Rangers!
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Great review Norm.
I love a good review in the morning.
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Good morning, boneheads!
Wow, excellent job, Norm!
Loved yesterday’s win. Aside from losing too many board battles, that was the best defensive effort by the team. And it appears that all 3 pairs clicked against a very deep team upfront. Plus Hank was excellent. That’s your winning formula.
Washington defense, on the other hand, had troubles dealing with NY’s speed in transition ( hello, Brooks Orpik)
And get this- Fast was their 4th liner on merit. We were waiting for it all season.
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I liked that Kreider set up the GWG immediately after his tussle with Timid Tom, who was victimized, along with Brooks (Rich Pilon) Orpik off the faceoff. Kreider had put Timid Tom on his wallet just before the tussle, and Timid did not like that. I’m sure NBC didn’t show it.
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Wick, I will do something on the trade deadline this week, but I think you’ll be disappointed because I doubt the NYR are going to do something major. You never know with Gorton, though.
and I’d love to do something on Rammer, Cas, Reg Grant the strength coach, Rammer’s assistant and the other equipment guys. I doubt the Rangers would allow it. But I’ll try.
thanks for the suggestions.
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I think you’re right, Carp. Anything major would require dismantling their depth upfront. Maybe a fourth line banger, or depth defenseman, involving a couple of mid draft picks.
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A profile of Brady would be a good piece; make g some rook mistakes but the future is bright
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Making not make g
Wide fingers on a small phone
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Morning all. Nice job Norm. Carp- I look forward to reading your thoughts on Hayes. I feel like his performance (or lack there of) last season almost had your mind made up that he wasn’t going to be a player in this league and that they may have overestimated his potential when they signed him.
ps- I think as much as Gorton would love to pull a deal for a Shattenkirk or a Vattanen he’s going to wind up with a Michael Stone-like player at the deadline. Though I had a gut feeling something big was possible, the price tags are just too high
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the want the take of an old ranger diehard who hasnt watched this season save for highlight on NHL.com and a big game here and there. The players who were being relied upon to carry the team last season and didnt, are this year (Kreider, Hayes, Miller). The players who needed to have good summers and come into this season proving that they can still play at a high level (have, for the most part or the best to their abilities). (Staal, Girardi, Nash). The 3 rookies Gorton and company thought would become important parts of the team have. (Skjei, Vesey, Buch) The two offseason acquistions have been jackpots. (Grabner @ 1.5 million and Holden for a 4th) They seem really hungry and refreshed with the weight of 4 seasons of cup or bust aspirations gone. And Ive heard really good things about Raanta’s play.
Hank Im not worried about. Hank always goes through these spurts in a season. He just usually has had to play every single game so he works them out, sees he still has it, and builds his confidence to the point he believes in himself. That’s hanks biggest pitfall, if he’s not doing well, he’s in his own head and he’s not focused on the game in front of him, if he’s not focused, he’s average, and when he’s average, he’s in his own head. A cycle that feeds itself until he breaks the loops and strings together a couple weeks of play that he’s used to. So Im not worried about Hank being there where it counts.
Lastly my dad was telling me about how the rangers have only had one game decided in OT or maybe the shootout is what he meant. And you know what the first thing that came to mind was. What a brillant way of losing out on pts without openly losing games to get the WC1 slot.
Once again, Im really happy to see everyone here. Genuinely, it brought a huge smile to my face. I dont think I’ll have the type of presence I had in the past, but Im definitely going to stop by and talk some hockey as the real season approaches.
Stay strong stay true Boneheads…. AWHOOOOOOOO
refresh, refresh, refresh
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Carp- ps- A story on Cas would be really nice if you could get the go ahead. I don’t think many people know how he wound up with the organization. It’s a cool story. The guy probably sharpened my skates when I was 12 years old!
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Carp
Sounds great, thanks 😉
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ILB, this deadline really has the potential to be the quietest we have seen in a long time. Not that many sellers, and the sellers that are relevant, know that buying teams don’t have many options and intend to make them pay up.
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Also the rangers shouldnt be trading away anyone in their future plans unless the acquired players is in the longterm plans. Burrows is a good option as a low-cost rental. The dude is definitely a playoff player. Always liked him. McDonagh hit excluded.
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Big fantasy league match up this week between Gravy and I!
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jpp- nice to see you. Totally agree with your assessment on the deadline. The depth up front is a great thing to have this time of year. I don’t see them dismantling it for the quality of player that’s out there. Someone like Michael Stone, Josh Manson or another depth player that wouldn’t cost more than 2nd round or later picks is what they’ll wind up with.
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I also don’t think they’ll make a “big splash”, but this is one of those seasons that a “depth” move or two could make a significant difference imo.
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I think this is going to be a weird deadline because of the reasons others have mentioned, but you have some GMs that are under pressure…mtl, stl, dal (off the top of my head) that could add some sizzle to it (lol watch the islanders add sharp and way over pay for him).
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Burrows circa 2012-13 would help. Not this year. Besides, who is he replacing?
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Either way, per the custom I took trade deadline day off to sit around and stare at the tv and computer 😉
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4th look be forward Replacing Butch and/or pumps, purée
another need is Oscar insurance with a vet 4C. Like the kids game but still a kid that takes inopporrtune penalties.
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Look = line
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Two things:
i) Thanks for all the kind words.
ii) I intend to honor my no-politics pledge even if sorely tempted by e3 😈. But why not put up a “Bonehead Politics” thread, keep the hockey going here (and in upcoming posts) and allow folks to visit BP if they’re so inclined. Good way to know folks a bit better and practice keeping one’s sense of humor under duress!
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James G I wouldn’t mind a Michael Stone or a Josh Manson could be a big help down the stretch. I am not for breaking up the forward group at this point it is their strength. A banger who can skate would be nice on the 4th line but please not another 35 year old. Trading Step is the only forward I would deal but the return would have to be in our favor and that doesn’t happen very often to the Rangers. If it was for a RD it would leave our boys weaker down the middle not a good thing. This is just my thoughts but from what I see Zucc as good as he is just doesn’t appear to be the ideal RWinger for Kreider!
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Zucc for Shatennkirk.
James,
I’ve been following Stone a little bit. I like him, and he is only 26.
Eli,
Agree, get Zucc away from Kreider.
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If Rammer gave an honest interview and told anything near the truth, like Tiger’s caddies, he’d be let go by the end of the week. 🙂
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I may entirely disagree with your opinions, but I will fight to the death to protect your constitutional right to express them without name calling or intimidation, you lily-livered low life know-nothing rectum.
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We suffer along the walls waaaaaay too often. This too often overlooked need (and face-offs) is/are important come play-offs.
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Get Zucc away from Kreider? Surely after that bang-bang-bang, yooj face-off goal yesterday, we’d want to see the experiment continue. For a little while anyway?
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E3 is a latus rectum, my highest mathematical compliment. Adjustable width and focused.
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Do you think one 4th line banger will change anything at this point? Or maybe they’re better served enhancing what made them successful so far? While I agree they may need insurance 4th line center ( even though I think Lindberg is becoming a pain in the neck to play against), I wouldn’t replace Buchnevich and his skill set.
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Latus rectum sounds like the second most common pathology a proctologist would be dealing with. 😃
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Norm – thanks for the review. I appreciate the extra effort.
I tend to agree with the sentiment that this team is better left alone than trading more picks or important youth for rentals. If they only make it one round in the playoffs. I am okay with that, thinking about the future (I am sure I won’t think at the time of the Rangers exit).
Youth and speed is taking over the NHL.
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Just don’t think Butch is what is needed as a second season 4th liner. Love his game, esp with 25 more lbs of muscle. If pissburgh had a traditional 4th line in last season POs.
Not sold on a top 12 approach to NHL POs
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15 not 25 unless he is using OV’s meds
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insurance ilb.
and from what ive read from some people who watched him this year, its been his best season in awhile.
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The challenge is this team has 12 top 9 forwards and not a lot of help on the farm in a 2way 4th liner unless you consider he whose name should not be said to be an NHLer
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Norm,
I know I am very much in the minority, but I am pretty much done with Zucc. I have grown tired of the extended shifts. Him being Carmello Anthony with the puck. Him running around in his own end, freelancing. The neutral zone turnovers. The shine has worn off for me.
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The Rangers are in terrific shape, as balanced a team as you can find in the league, can beat anyone in a series. Not saying they will, but that they have nothing to fear. Gorton can tweak, I suppose, but I don’t see much urgency.
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Exactly Eli. Not necessarily a “banger” just someone w some speed and size that can play a playoff style hockey with that fourth line.
By the way I’m Driving down to St Pete with the wife in a couple of weeks. Taking bread and bagel orders from all the former northerners in my family : D
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BDL, I know I’ve been harping on it but I think he fits the bill. Has the potential to be a quiet but solid addition kind of like when they brought in Klein.
Look at the facts, young, size, skating ability, Righty and can probably be had for picks as AZ knows he’s going to walk when the season is over.
I don’t think he’s a first pair guy but he can play in different situations. Especially on a team that only has 1 legit top pair dman to begin with
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Norm I agree. Not sure if people realize that this team has more wins than anyone in the East except Washington. It’s the Bettman bonus points they haven’t stock piled this year that’s got them in fourth which I don’t mind.
Regardless of what others say, Washington doesn’t scare me in the post season but I think Pitts has their number. I’d rather go through the Atlantic and hope Washington disposes of the Pens for once.
My only concern is injury on the blue line especially the captain or skeji. The lack of depth will get exposed quickly
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I don’t know that Pitt has there number. The two playoff seasons prior to last season, the Rangers beat Pitt.
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I’d worry about 7 game series against Washington more than against Pittsburgh this year.
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Norm,
I also agree with you about the depth, and thinking they can beat anyone in a series.
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Ilb,
The Caps are eventually going to break through and win it. I just hope the Ranfers break through and win it first.
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No politics.
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Zucc for Shattenkirk
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Almost time to start tanking! 🙂
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You’re 100% right but the Rangers’ defense was much more dependable prior to last year. Staal and Girardi were more effective and when together formed a shut down pairing that kept the likes of Crosby and OV frustrated. That ship seems to have sailed, and on the other side of the fence you now have Kessel and Matt Murray who are Ranger killers until proven otherwise. I just don’t like the match up any more.
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Shattenkirk is another Yandle waiting to happen. I wouldnt want to sign him to the kind of deal he wants after this season any more than I would have wanted them to give Yandle his.
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Why is that, ILB? I’m just curious. They’ve always found a way to solve Washington. No matter the coach, no matter the skill and no matter how well Holtby has played. Meanwhile, they haven’t beaten Matt Murray ever. and Pittsburgh has scored 15 goals in 3 games against them this year.
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Zucchini for Yandle
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A skjel injury isn’t that bad…any leftie is (short of mcdonut) is manageable (see staal, Marc) for a while. Right side…is very thin already.
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Wicky hates Skeji. and me apparently
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LOL, E3, people might fall down if they brought Yandle back
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Rangers have lost plenty of series to the Craps
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if Zucc moves it has to be a hockey trade. Too bad Hanzal is so injury prone, someone like him would look good standing in front of the opponent’s crease for us come post season
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I’d rather face the pens in a series than any other metro team.
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I’d agree with norm’s very precise vague statement of the rangers could beat any team in a series, and I’ll take it a step further and say they could lose to any team in a series.
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Did you guys see the Dubinsky shutdown of Crosby hanzal had when the yotes played the pens? Interesting
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In the Lundqvist/Ovechkin Era, they’ve beaten us 2x E3. The last time we lost a playoff series to them they had CABER on the blueline
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Norm lives in a trailer, yet frequents expensive restaurants. What is this all about? Anyone?
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the Rangers had Caber. not Washington*
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Coos does Norm live in Westchester? It’s a good strategy. Trailer= saving 15k a year on property taxes and using the funds for frequent dining out. brilliant!
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Norm’s now on the West Coast (Seattle?). He has lately become peripatetic. I think he’s in Witness Protection, but keep it quiet.
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James
Incorrect on both counts. You know better 😉
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Re skjel…he isn’t as good as some of you claim he is. Simply put, he is a young inexperienced D man that loses more battles than he should, can skate really well, definitely has some defencive deficiency at this point in his career, and has benefited from some secondary assists in his point total. Overall, he is going to be a good solid NHL d man in a couple of seasons. A good asset to trade or keep.
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Agree Wick, up until the penultimate sentence. No guarantee that he will become anything more than serviceable, but hope abounds.
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Every time Norm plans to move, the local bartenders take up a collection to keep him in town. The man is beloved in certain dipsomaniacal circles.
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Great review, Norm. Thanks. Missed the first period (thought the game started later), but even though the boys were outshot in the 2nd, I thought it was a fairly complete game all around. You didn’t mention the refs (beside the OS review). But once again I thought they made some pretty bad calls (when do they not). That hit on JT was late, the puck was 25 feet past him when he got hit from behind.
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JamesG-Washington is deeper this year than Pittsburgh, and more physical.
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Wonder if the yotes would do a hanzal/stone bundle? 😉
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If I were in Witness Protection, coos, would you believe me if I said I wasn’t? In Tacoma now, living in a cardboard box at the bottom of a lake, saving our sheckels for the next night out on the town. And next trip to the liquor store.
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With the price that young D men seem to be warranting on the trade front (yes, I understand why they are at those prices), I’d be hard pressed not to move skjel for a decent upgrade somewhere else on the team.
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That must be one kick aasen cardboard box norm resides in, it has to have wifi.
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Pittsburgh is the team i fear the most followed by Washington. We will be well served to finish 4th in metro and cross over. Don’t think we will though since Columbus has a heavy schedule down the stretch.
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I actually like Kreider with Topo. I think Topo needs a shooter. … and Kreider and Topo made a pretty sweet play on the GWG, and on a few other chances Sunday.
Rangers over Columbus in 5, Caps over whomever in 5, Pens over Habs in 5.
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Caber!
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Rangers over the Wild in 6.
Congratulations to James Dolan, Glen Sather, Fish Grotto, AV, Arneil, Beuk, and of course the Ranger Players.
Captain McD, come get the Stanley Cup
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CABER!!!!
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I snuck out, Wickman, to the local library. They’re eying me warily, what with the pool of water forming at my feet.
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Norm – thank you for your kind remark but I’m far more hyperbolic cosh than parabolic.
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THX for the Carseat entry, Eddie.
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Montreal writer spending three days in this lovely NYC weather, I think doing a story on AV … so AV’s been speaking to him en France’ after his pressers. I should probably tell the writer about Bazooka Joe’s Wedgies. Would love to see that translated.
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Torts – “just ******* turn the *** **** ******* heat o back here. It’s ******* freezing. And while you’re at it, my ******* straps are ******* loose. Tighten these ******* things up before I ******* fall out of the ******* car seat”
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I think Wicky can help with that translation, Carp. Even his three dogs are fluent in French.
Let’s hope Zibanejad starts producing soon. Not sure it’s his inconsistency in general or still injury related recovery
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Zika plays more like 6ft 185 than 6’2″, 211 but good 2 way player, solid on the dot, has some slick moves with the biscuit and just had a goal taken away. Been getting good looks, puck will go in.
.
But hey, he’s no Drack Broshard who is starting to heat up; 2-3-5; +5 in his last 5 games.
(just seeing if I can wake up James…)
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Where at in St Pete James G?
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Snowflakes declare today… not my president day!
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Governor Brown states California will chisel free of the continent and float off into the Pacific!
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Papa – I’ll tell you what’s floating in the pacific and it ain’t California.
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Eli, we’ll be staying at her mom’s in Clearwater. They’re just outside of Dunedin. Gives us easy access to St Pete’s, and the St Patty’s day parade in Dunedin. They like their green down there!
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Wicky, I just think the blueline is considerably slower without either McD or Skeji. That’s all.
ILB, i’d take my chances with depth over them having to beat Murray 4/7
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Rangers will best Murray the Cop come the second season.
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James
They don’t have to be speedy skaters, they just have to play the body, make speedy decisions, win physical battles, and make speedy accurate outlet passes.
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The speed aspect is great if it’s in addition to the above mentioned, not instead of.
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Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Michael Stone to CGY for 3rd round pick and a conditional 5th in 2018. ARI retains half of Stone’s salary. Condition kicks in if re-signed.
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Michael Stone seemed like a good compromise, but he’s not an option anymore.
I’d almost rather make a hockey trade for one of the defensemen the Ducks or Wild can’t protect in the expansion draft.
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I like cerny’s podcast, but he sounds like he’s about to cry when he talks about the rangers.
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Wow, Stone went for far-less than i thought he would. All that talk of “horrible draft this year, so first rounders are going to fly around for Brian Boyle-type players” doesn’t seem too relevant anymore. An R3 and condish R5 for a young, decently-skilled righty dman in Stone, AND ‘zona retains half his salary? Damn.
Makes me feel better that if Gorton and Co decide that a guy like Alex Burrows is a necessary depth move, the market is decidedly lower than previously though.
I know Burrows/Stone are like apples and oranges, but in a league that values right-shot defensemen, Stone’s value > a 4-years-removed-from-a-good-offensive-season Alex Burrows.
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Lol, I’d have paid that for stone in a heartbeat
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Stone goes for about exactly what I thought he would. Rangers could have done that deal in a minute. Oh well. Maybe there’s smoke where there’s fire with the L.A rumors.
Wicky- Fair enough. At the end of the day I say the blueline gets exposed by Pittsburgh in the post season : /
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Stone also comes with a 4.5 million dollar price tag. He may be depth but he’s not cheap
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True James. But pro-rated + 50% of his salary being retained, his cap hit doesn’t make a yuge dent. Now, if the Rangers are looking to add a significant cap hit at the deadline ($6M or so) without paying for salary retention, a guy like Stone isn’t the best way to go about doing that.
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James I like Clearwater real nice beaches! My wife and I live farther South in St Pete North about 10 min from downtown!
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The Machine and a 2nd for B. Boyle
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I’d be shocked if Boyle comes back here in any deal
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James
What are the LA rumours?
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I hope the flames don’t trade us wideman:/
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Expansion is going to make this a different deadline season for deals. A creative GM could make a killer deal
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Bazooka isn’t bringing back Boyle, and Boyle — if he had a choice — would not play for Bazooka.
Stone overpaid and, IMO, not a great upgrade.
Wonder if the other Boyle is keeping his conditioning up.
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Ask Larry Brooks, Carp. I’m sure they’re in touch every day.
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Murray the Cop … Nose’ Feliciano.
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Brooks is probably a better player. And he’s in his 60s.
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Wicky fourth period had an article saying the Rangers have been scouting LA pretty heavily as of late. No particular dman mentioned in that article but I’ve heard Alec Martinez’s name on SB nation. Seeing as how he’s a lefty I don’t buy it
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Bran Boyle won’t be back.
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BMBDADWBM (c)
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Getting Martinez would alleviate the hank cap hit though, I’m sure hank would jump off a bridge if he had to see Martinez every day 😉
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Alec Martinez doesn’t seem like the best fit, lefty-righty wise. Good skills, but if they wanted him past next season they’d need to buy out Girardi and get Staal to waive his NMC.
They have been scouting La’s minor league team a lot. The two names I saw were adrian kempe (excellent forward prospect) and Paul ladue (righty dman prospect who projects on 2nd pair).
LA has terrible goaltending depth in the pipeline. We’re fairly deep with good goalie prospects. Maybe we’re trying to sending Halverson over for LaDue. Kempe will likely take a chemistry-busting move on our part.
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I agree. And Wick I was thinking that lol.
Here’s the article so you can decipher for yourselves.
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/nyr170219.html
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Zach Trotman may be the guy they’re looking at if they’re watching the Reign too. Kings would love a guy like Zucc up front. Maybe the Rangers agree to take take a contract up front as well? We can have them throw in Kyle Clifford for ya Wick!
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BDL Trotman would fill the Michael Stone void in our lives LOL. Big righty dman. 26 years old
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Is now the time to trade Nash? It might be. Does he still have the list of 10 teams?
https://www.google.com/amp/bluelinestation.com/2017/02/20/new-york-rangers-rick-nash-trade-deadline-rumors/amp/
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I could see Nash traded in the summer — I thought there was a good chance of that last summer. But I think it’s kooky talk to trade him during the season.
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If you can get anything of value for halverson, you do it. That kid ain’t got it.
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besides, they have Hellberg
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Bazooka was not a fan of B. Boyle or Tax Free.
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Bazooka thought their lack of speed gummed up the works.
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He was right on Cally, that’s for sure. Bolts are choking on that contractwith Tyler Johnson and Drouin (and Palat) looking for new deals this summer.
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Wow, what a review and Long trail of comments!
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Great job by tarasenko and the blue for that little girl on her birthday
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Good morning, boneheads!
Game Day!
Possible first round match up too. Should be fun
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Must win?
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Always, SN.
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Time to fry some Canadian bacon!
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Tanks or no tanks?
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Tanks for nothing!
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Torts to Rangers: Tanks alot!
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Tanks for the memories
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937 Palmer Avenue. Franks for the Memories.
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St Pete
That’s Canadien bacon 😉
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*NEW POST*
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